As a father, I just want to quietly watch you live a long life

Chapter 24 Another Metamorphosis of the Dao Fruit, Prototype of Divine Powers (Tuesday plea for a follow-up read!)

”A top candidate for cultivating Divine Methods?”

Li Cheʼs eyes narrowed slightly, but he wasnʼt too surprised.

He had thought about it before, what was so special about the Spirit Baby that made the Spirit Infant Sect care so much about it.

It must also be related to divinity.

”The methods of the Spirit Infant Sect should be quite vicious and despicable. If Xi Xi falls into their hands, she will be raised until she grows up, and once her divinity is abundant, it will be forcibly extracted...”

”Becoming a raised Spirit Baby is definitely not a good thing...”

Old Chen took a sip of his drink and said with a shake of his head and a grave voice.

That was certainly not a good thing, and Li Che was aware of that, which was why he had been treading on thin ice since Xi Xi was born.

Frowning, Li Che thought about strategies to respond, considering how many years it would take for him to develop the strength to single-handedly destroy the Spirit Infant Sect.

He had the Dao Fruit bound with his daughter, and as she grew slowly, she would become stronger.

Gently stroking the back of Xi Xiʼs head, the little girlʼs naive eyes blinked, sparkling with crystalline innocence.

Old Chen let out a breath: ”Actually, there is a way to deal with the crisis brought by the Spirit Infant Sect.”

Li Che glanced at Old Chen, a flash of confusion in his eyes, indicating for him to continue.

”Spirit Babies are rare, but not nonexistent. The Spirit Babies born to commoners are pitiful, like lambs, usually unable to grow up and targeted from a young age, not just by the Spirit Infant Sect, but also by other sects that have inherited mysterious temple traditions, all aiming to capture Spirit Babies.”

Old Chenʼs expression grew solemn.

”But if they can make it to four years old, then thereʼs a chance they can survive.”

Li Che was taken aback.

”Four years old... Is there a reason for that?”

Old Chen smiled and said, ”Nothing special, the Imperial Court steps in.”

The Imperial Court?

Li Cheʼs face changed slightly, he had almost forgotten about the Imperial Court.

In Fei Lei City, power was basically divided among the noble families of the Inner City, holding the authority. The Yamen, representing the Imperial Court, was virtually nominal, managing only some civilian disputes; the noble families hardly took it seriously.

Old Chen took a sip of his yellow wine, and shook his head: ”Little Li, donʼt underestimate the Imperial Court. A lean camel is still bigger than a horse, and moreover... the Da Jing Dynasty isnʼt dead yet. Although the Imperial Court is declining, itʼs still one of the most powerful forces in the world; even the great Divine Sects wouldnʼt dare to ignore it.”

”The main reason is that Fei Lei City is remote. Coupled with the isolation caused by the Mysterious Temple, itʼs somewhat out of the Imperial Courtʼs jurisdiction, but that doesnʼt mean itʼs lawless.”

”You see the Yamenʼs imperial hall appearing nominal today, but would the noble families and clans really dare to ignore it blatantly?”

”The Imperial Court conducts a selection test every four years. If itʼs a Spirit Baby containing divinity, they will be recruited and trained by the Imperial Court. Nowadays, the right to conduct this selection test has been delegated by the Yamen to the noble families of Fei Lei City.”

Old Chen glanced at Li Che as he said this.

Li Che nodded slightly: ”So you mean to say, as long as Xi Xi safely reaches four years old, is selected for her divine talents, enters the Xu Clan for cultivation, and practices the Divine Methods, she will be protected by the Xu Clan and be safe, right?”

”Exactly,”

Old Chen smiled.

”If the Imperial Court regains control over Fei Lei City, the noble families and clans will still have to return the divinely talented children theyʼve selected back to the Imperial Court...”

Li Che frowned, ”Would the noble families be willing to return them?”

Old Chen took a sip of his drink, ”Would the Imperial Court not understand... So, what do you think is the purpose behind this order?”

”The Da Jing Dynasty doesnʼt ignore things; itʼs just too lazy to intervene. With Mysterious Temples sprouting like bamboo after a spring rain, almost every city has one or several... ”